US6576170B1 - Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers - Google Patents

Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers Download PDF

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US6576170B1
US6576170B1 US10/127,794 US12779402A US6576170B1 US 6576170 B1 US6576170 B1 US 6576170B1 US 12779402 A US12779402 A US 12779402A US 6576170 B1 US6576170 B1 US 6576170B1
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mold
thermosetting polymer
approximately
thermosetting
gas
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US10/127,794
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Len Nunnery
Francis Zappitelli
Jody Riddle
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Bulk Molding Compounds Inc
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Bulk Molding Compounds Inc
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Priority to US10/127,794 priority Critical patent/US6576170B1/en
Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: NUNNERY, LEN, RIDDLE, JODY, ZAPPITELLI, FRANCIS
Priority to CA002467667A priority patent/CA2467667C/en
Priority to EP03719776A priority patent/EP1497105A4/en
Priority to PCT/US2003/011710 priority patent/WO2003091007A1/en
Priority to MXPA04010444A priority patent/MXPA04010444A/en
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Assigned to FIFTH THIRD BANK reassignment FIFTH THIRD BANK AMENDED AND RESTATED PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., MAXWELL PROPERTIES, LLC, TMC ACQUISITION, INC.
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Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: FIFTH THIRD BANK (CHICAGO), AS AGENT
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Assigned to CHASE CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment CHASE CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT AMENDED AND RESTATED ASSIGNMENT FOR SECURITY Assignors: DYMAS FUNDING COMPANY, LLC, AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT, MCG CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., THE MATRIXX GROUP INCORPORATED, CITADEL INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY Assignors: CHASE CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS COLLATERAL AGENT
Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., THE MATRIXX GROUP INCORPORATED, CITADEL INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. RELEASE OF SECURITY INTEREST IN INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY COLLATERAL Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS ADMINISTRATIVE AGENT
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT PATENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., CITADEL INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC, CITADEL PLASTICS HOLDINGS, INC., CITY ACQUISITION MERGER SUB, INC., HGGC CITADEL PLASTICS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC., THE MATRIXX GROUP, INCORPORATED
Assigned to THE MATRIXX GROUP, INCORPORATED, PREMIX, INC., BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., CITADEL PLASTICS HOLDINGS, INC., HGGC CITADEL PLASTICS INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, INC., QUANTUM COMPOSITES, INC., CITADEL INTERMEDIATE HOLDINGS, LLC reassignment THE MATRIXX GROUP, INCORPORATED RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., PREMIX, INC., QUANTUM COMPOSITES, INC. reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT
Assigned to JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT reassignment JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A., AS COLLATERAL AGENT SECURITY AGREEMENT Assignors: A. SCHULMAN, INC., BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC.
Assigned to BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC., PREMIX, INC., QUANTUM COMPOSITES, INC., A. SCHULMAN, INC. reassignment BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC. RELEASE BY SECURED PARTY (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: JPMORGAN CHASE BANK, N.A.
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Assigned to GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT reassignment GENERAL ELECTRIC CAPITAL CORPORATION, AS AGENT SECURITY INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: BULK MOLDING COMPOUNDS, INC.
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current

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    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/1703Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould
    • B29C45/1704Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles
    • B29C45/1711Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles and removing excess material from the mould cavity by the introduced fluid, e.g. to an overflow cavity
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/1703Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould
    • B29C45/1704Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles
    • B29C45/1711Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles and removing excess material from the mould cavity by the introduced fluid, e.g. to an overflow cavity
    • B29C2045/1712Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles and removing excess material from the mould cavity by the introduced fluid, e.g. to an overflow cavity plastic material flowing back into the injection unit
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29CSHAPING OR JOINING OF PLASTICS; SHAPING OF MATERIAL IN A PLASTIC STATE, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; AFTER-TREATMENT OF THE SHAPED PRODUCTS, e.g. REPAIRING
    • B29C45/00Injection moulding, i.e. forcing the required volume of moulding material through a nozzle into a closed mould; Apparatus therefor
    • B29C45/17Component parts, details or accessories; Auxiliary operations
    • B29C45/1703Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould
    • B29C45/1704Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles
    • B29C2045/1728Introducing an auxiliary fluid into the mould the fluid being introduced into the interior of the injected material which is still in a molten state, e.g. for producing hollow articles injecting fluid from an end of the mould cavity and in the longitudinal direction thereof
    • BPERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B29WORKING OF PLASTICS; WORKING OF SUBSTANCES IN A PLASTIC STATE IN GENERAL
    • B29KINDEXING SCHEME ASSOCIATED WITH SUBCLASSES B29B, B29C OR B29D, RELATING TO MOULDING MATERIALS OR TO MATERIALS FOR MOULDS, REINFORCEMENTS, FILLERS OR PREFORMED PARTS, e.g. INSERTS
    • B29K2067/00Use of polyesters or derivatives thereof, as moulding material

Definitions

  • This invention relates, broadly speaking, to injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
  • this invention relates to gas assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
  • this invention relates to gas assisted injection molding of polyester thermosetting polymers.
  • GIM Gas assisted injection molding
  • GAIM was developed, in part, to reduce the volume of thermoplastic polymers required to manufacture components with thick cross sections. Aside from the economies derived from reduced material requirements, GAIM aids in the elimination of molded in-stress (cracks, warpage), sink marks and unpredictable physical properties (internal stratification). Reduced cycle times are also a benefit, allowing cavity requirements (thus tooling investment) to be reduced by 50% or more.
  • GAIM has been practiced almost exclusively by the manufacturers of thermoplastic components.
  • the cost advantages associated with GAIM have provided opportunities for more expensive thermoplastic materials to replace low cost thermosetting materials.
  • Even high heat applications, traditionally dominated by thermosetting polymers, are beginning to be penetrated by gas-assisted thermoplastic polymers.
  • the savings realized by reduced tooling, cycle times and material consumption are driving this transition. Molders using thermoplastic polymers several times as expensive as equivalent thermosetting polymers can make parts that cost less using GAIM techniques.
  • thermosetting polymers For over a decade, manufacturers of parts made of thermosetting polymers have been faced with the market challenges associated with GAIM. Although there have been some notable gains using phenolic materials, no thermoset technology has shown the quality, repeatability and economies demonstrated by thermoplastics. Up until recently, the thermoset processor's option was to relinquish margin or lose market share.
  • the inventors have completed a series of trials that have yielded high quality thermoset parts using gas-assisted injection molding techniques.
  • One of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
  • Another of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting material.
  • a particular object of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for gas-assisted injection molding of polyester thermosetting material.
  • thermosetting polymer is introduced, i.e., at the end of flow of the thermosetting polymer in the mold.
  • FIG. 1 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of a mold after the thermosetting polymer has been introduced in such quantity as to fill the mold.
  • FIG. 2 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of the mold of FIG. 1 shortly after commencement of the injection of gas through the gas injection pin at a point remote from the point of entry of the thermosetting polymer into the mold.
  • FIG. 3 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of the mold of FIG. 1 near the end of a molding cycle.
  • Mold 1 shown diagrammatically and in cross-section in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 , is provided with gate 2 at one end thereof.
  • Runner 3 communicates between gate 2 and sprue 4 which, in turn, communicates with the nozzle 5 of a conventional injection molding machine (not shown).
  • the thermosetting polymer 6 to be formed in mold 1 may be a polyester-based composite having a molding temperature ranging between approximately 250° F. and approximately 400° F.
  • thermosetting polymer 6 (the aforementioned polyester-based composite, although the present invention may also profitably be employed in the molding of other thermosetting polymers) is, at the start of a molding cycle, introduced by the conventional injection molding machine into mold 1 at one end thereof as shown in FIG. 1 .
  • Gas injection pin 7 is mounted to mold 1 at a point remote from gate 2 , i.e., at that end of mold 1 opposite gate 2 which is at the end of flow of the thermosetting polymer 6 , and communicates with the interior of mold 1 .
  • Gas 8 injected by gas injection pin 7 into mold 1 preferably is nitrogen at a pressure ranging between approximately 100 psi and approximately 10,000 psi. Other gases in lieu of nitrogen may be used, provided they do not have a deleterious effect on the thermosetting polymer 6 being molded.
  • the conventional injection molding machine introduces the thermosetting polymeric material 6 into sprue 4 , thence through runner 3 and gate 2 into mold 1 to fill the said mold 1 .
  • the screw of the conventional injection molding machine provides pressure to mold 1 and the contents thereof (the charge of thermosetting polymeric material 6 ) through sprue 4 , runner 3 and gate 2 .
  • the thermosetting polymeric material 6 in mold 1 starts to polymerize (“set”) from its outermost surface inwardly (i.e., in a direction inwardly from the wall of mold 1 ). After a predetermined period of time, the hardened walls 9 of the part being formed in mold 1 reach a thickness that is considered adequate for end use considerations.
  • the length of time between the completion of the first step in the molding cycle, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, in which mold 1 has been completely filled with thermosetting polymeric material 6 , and the next step in the molding cycle, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, in which is commenced the injection of nitrogen 8 , may be critical in the production of a satisfactory hollow molded article.
  • this length of time there is a direct correlation between this length of time and the thickness of the wall of the hollow article being formed. The greater this length of time, the thicker will be the wall of the article. In other words, the desired wall thickness of the article will determine this length of time.
  • a delay of 15 seconds between the filling of mold 1 with the thermosetting polymer 6 (as shown in FIG. 1) and the beginning of the injection of nitrogen 8 (as shown in FIG. 2) resulted in a hollow formed article having a wall thickness of approximately 0.095′′. Such an article would be unacceptable for the contemplated end use.
  • the delay was increased to 45 seconds, the hollow finished article would have a wall thickness of approximately 0.165′′, a satisfactory result.
  • thermosetting polymeric material 6 ejected from mold 1 by nitrogen 8 and accumulating in nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine will be warm (perhaps 120° F.) and unpolymerized.
  • This unpolymerized thermosetting polymeric material 6 is incorporated with the next charge of virgin thermosetting polymeric material 6 from the nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine to be fed to mold 1 .

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Manufacturing & Machinery (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Injection Moulding Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Moulds For Moulding Plastics Or The Like (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

Thermosetting polymer is introduced into a mold at one end thereof to fill said mold. After a predetermined length of time to permit the thermosetting polymer to polymerize along the wall of the mold to form a wall of the desired thickness, gas is introduced into said mold at the opposite end to eject the central unpolymerized portion of the thermosetting polymer from the mold, leaving behind in the mold a hollow formed article.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates, broadly speaking, to injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
More particularly, this invention relates to gas assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
Even more specifically, this invention relates to gas assisted injection molding of polyester thermosetting polymers.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Gas assisted injection molding (commonly referred to as “GAIM”) has been labelled one of the most significant manufacturing advancements of the past forty years. Through the manipulation of injected polymer and pressurized gas, innovators have improved plastic part quality while, in many cases, reducing processing and material costs.
GAIM was developed, in part, to reduce the volume of thermoplastic polymers required to manufacture components with thick cross sections. Aside from the economies derived from reduced material requirements, GAIM aids in the elimination of molded in-stress (cracks, warpage), sink marks and unpredictable physical properties (internal stratification). Reduced cycle times are also a benefit, allowing cavity requirements (thus tooling investment) to be reduced by 50% or more.
GAIM has been practiced almost exclusively by the manufacturers of thermoplastic components. The cost advantages associated with GAIM have provided opportunities for more expensive thermoplastic materials to replace low cost thermosetting materials. Even high heat applications, traditionally dominated by thermosetting polymers, are beginning to be penetrated by gas-assisted thermoplastic polymers. The savings realized by reduced tooling, cycle times and material consumption are driving this transition. Molders using thermoplastic polymers several times as expensive as equivalent thermosetting polymers can make parts that cost less using GAIM techniques.
For over a decade, manufacturers of parts made of thermosetting polymers have been faced with the market challenges associated with GAIM. Although there have been some notable gains using phenolic materials, no thermoset technology has shown the quality, repeatability and economies demonstrated by thermoplastics. Up until recently, the thermoset processor's option was to relinquish margin or lose market share.
The inventors have completed a series of trials that have yielded high quality thermoset parts using gas-assisted injection molding techniques.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
One of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for injection molding of thermosetting polymers.
Another of the objects of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting material.
A particular object of this invention is to provide an improved method and apparatus for gas-assisted injection molding of polyester thermosetting material.
Still other and further objects of this invention will become apparent by reference to the accompanying specification and drawings, and to the appended claims.
The foregoing objects are attained in part by providing a mold with a gas injection pin at a location remote from that point in the mold where the thermosetting polymer is introduced, i.e., at the end of flow of the thermosetting polymer in the mold.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
Referring now to the drawings, in which like numerals represent like parts in the several views:
FIG. 1 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of a mold after the thermosetting polymer has been introduced in such quantity as to fill the mold.
FIG. 2 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of the mold of FIG. 1 shortly after commencement of the injection of gas through the gas injection pin at a point remote from the point of entry of the thermosetting polymer into the mold.
FIG. 3 represents, diagrammatically, a cross-section of the mold of FIG. 1 near the end of a molding cycle.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
Mold 1, shown diagrammatically and in cross-section in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, is provided with gate 2 at one end thereof. Runner 3 communicates between gate 2 and sprue 4 which, in turn, communicates with the nozzle 5 of a conventional injection molding machine (not shown). The thermosetting polymer 6 to be formed in mold 1 may be a polyester-based composite having a molding temperature ranging between approximately 250° F. and approximately 400° F.
The thermosetting polymer 6 (the aforementioned polyester-based composite, although the present invention may also profitably be employed in the molding of other thermosetting polymers) is, at the start of a molding cycle, introduced by the conventional injection molding machine into mold 1 at one end thereof as shown in FIG. 1.
Gas injection pin 7 is mounted to mold 1 at a point remote from gate 2, i.e., at that end of mold 1 opposite gate 2 which is at the end of flow of the thermosetting polymer 6, and communicates with the interior of mold 1. Gas 8 injected by gas injection pin 7 into mold 1 preferably is nitrogen at a pressure ranging between approximately 100 psi and approximately 10,000 psi. Other gases in lieu of nitrogen may be used, provided they do not have a deleterious effect on the thermosetting polymer 6 being molded.
The operation of the present invention will now be described.
At the beginning of a molding cycle, as shown in FIG. 1, with nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine connected to sprue 4, the conventional injection molding machine introduces the thermosetting polymeric material 6 into sprue 4, thence through runner 3 and gate 2 into mold 1 to fill the said mold 1.
The screw of the conventional injection molding machine provides pressure to mold 1 and the contents thereof (the charge of thermosetting polymeric material 6) through sprue 4, runner 3 and gate 2. The thermosetting polymeric material 6 in mold 1 starts to polymerize (“set”) from its outermost surface inwardly (i.e., in a direction inwardly from the wall of mold 1). After a predetermined period of time, the hardened walls 9 of the part being formed in mold 1 reach a thickness that is considered adequate for end use considerations. At this point, nitrogen 8 is injected into mold 1 through gas injection pin 7 to force out of mold 1 and through gate 2, runner 3 and sprue 4, and thence into nozzle 5 of the conventional injection molding machine that central portion of the thermosetting polymeric material 6 that has not yet polymerized (i.e., not yet “set”). All this time, nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine has exerted pressure, through sprue 4, runner 3 and gate 2, on the contents of mold 1. Now, the nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine is backed off from the sprue bushing on sprue 4, thereby allowing the pressurized nitrogen 8 to escape harmlessly. Mold 1 can now be opened and the hollow formed thermoset part removed therefrom.
It will, of course, be evident that the cross-sectional areas of gate 2, runner 3 and sprue 4 must be large enough to permit unpolymerized thermosetting polymer 6 to pass therethrough.
We have found that the length of time between the completion of the first step in the molding cycle, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 1, in which mold 1 has been completely filled with thermosetting polymeric material 6, and the next step in the molding cycle, as shown diagrammatically in FIG. 2, in which is commenced the injection of nitrogen 8, may be critical in the production of a satisfactory hollow molded article. In particular, there is a direct correlation between this length of time and the thickness of the wall of the hollow article being formed. The greater this length of time, the thicker will be the wall of the article. In other words, the desired wall thickness of the article will determine this length of time.
For example, in the employment of a mold to produce a 30″×1.25″×0.75″ range handle from a polyester-based thermosetting composite 6, a delay of 15 seconds between the filling of mold 1 with the thermosetting polymer 6 (as shown in FIG. 1) and the beginning of the injection of nitrogen 8 (as shown in FIG. 2) resulted in a hollow formed article having a wall thickness of approximately 0.095″. Such an article would be unacceptable for the contemplated end use. When the delay was increased to 45 seconds, the hollow finished article would have a wall thickness of approximately 0.165″, a satisfactory result.
The determination of the proper length of time between the filling of mold 1 with thermosetting polymer 6 and the beginning of the injection of nitrogen 8 into the mold 1, considering among other things the use to which the formed article is to be put, is of course empirical.
In quick repetitive molding cycles, thermosetting polymeric material 6 ejected from mold 1 by nitrogen 8 and accumulating in nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine will be warm (perhaps 120° F.) and unpolymerized. This unpolymerized thermosetting polymeric material 6 is incorporated with the next charge of virgin thermosetting polymeric material 6 from the nozzle 5 of the injection molding machine to be fed to mold 1. By so reclaiming the ejected thermosetting polymeric material 6 for the next charge of mold 1, very substantial savings in material costs and cycle times are realized.
Since modifications and changes which do not depart from the spirit of the invention as disclosed herein may readily occur to those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains, the appended claims should be construed as covering all suitable modifications and equivalents.

Claims (9)

We claim:
1. A method of forming a hollow article of thermosetting polymer, said method comprising:
(a) introducing thermosetting polymer into a mold to fill said mold,
(b) subsequent to step (a), waiting a predetermined length of time sufficient to permit the thermosetting polymer to polymerize along the wall of the mold sufficiently to form a wall of said article of desired thickness,
(c) subsequent to step (b), injecting a gas under pressure into said mold at a point at the end of flow of said thermosetting polymer in said mold to eject from said mold through the point at which the thermosetting polymer had been introduced into said mold the central portion of said thermosetting polymer that has not yet polymerized, thereby leaving in the mold a hollow molded article,
(d) relieving pressure from the interior of said mold,
(e) opening said mold and removing therefrom the hollow molded article.
2. Method as in claim 1, wherein:
(f) said thermosetting polymer is polyester-based.
3. Method as in claim 1, wherein:
(f) said thermosetting polymer has a molding temperature ranging between approximately 250° F. and approximately 400° F.
4. Method as in claim 1, wherein:
(f) said gas is injected into said mold at a pressure ranging between approximately 100 psi and approximately 10,000 psi.
5. A method of forming in a series of repetitive steps hollow articles of thermosetting polymer, said method comprising:
(a) introducing thermosetting polymer into a mold to fill said mold,
(b) subsequent to step (a), waiting a predetermined length of time sufficient to permit said thermosetting polymer to polymerize along the wall of the mold sufficiently to form a wall of said article of desired thickness,
(c) subsequent to step (b), injecting a gas under pressure into said mold at a point at the end of flow of said thermosetting polymer in said mold to eject from said mold through the point at which the thermosetting polymer had been introduced into said mold the central portion of said thermosetting polymer that has not yet polymerized, thereby leaving in the mold a hollow molded article,
(d) relieving pressure from the interior of said mold,
(e) opening said mold and removing therefrom the hollow molded article,
(f) combining the ejected thermosetting polymer from step (c) with virgin thermosetting polymer and introducing said combined thermosetting polymer into said mold to fill said mold,
(g) repeating step (b),
(h) repeating step (c),
(i) repeating step (d),
(j) repeating step (e).
6. Method as in claim 5, wherein:
(k) said thermosetting polymer is polyester-based.
7. Method as in claim 5, wherein:
(k) said thermosetting polymer has a molding temperature ranging between approximately 250° F. and approximately 400° F.
8. Method as in claim 5, wherein:
(k) said gas is injected into said mold at a pressure ranging between approximately 100 psi and approximately 10,000 psi.
9. Method as in claim 5, wherein:
(k) step (a) is performed by employing an apparatus to introduce thermosetting polymer into said mold,
(l) said unpolymerized thermosetting polymer is ejected in step (c) into said apparatus,
(m) said ejected unpolymerized thermosetting polymer is combined in step (f) with said virgin thermosetting polymer in said apparatus.
US10/127,794 2002-04-23 2002-04-23 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers Expired - Fee Related US6576170B1 (en)

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US10/127,794 US6576170B1 (en) 2002-04-23 2002-04-23 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers
CA002467667A CA2467667C (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-15 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers
EP03719776A EP1497105A4 (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-15 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers
PCT/US2003/011710 WO2003091007A1 (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-15 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers
MXPA04010444A MXPA04010444A (en) 2002-04-23 2003-04-15 Gas-assisted injection molding of thermosetting polymers.

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US20040099978A1 (en) * 2002-11-27 2004-05-27 Hendry James W. Method for injection molding of plastic materials using gas holding pressure in mold
US20040188894A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Lear Corporation Plastic Injection Molding With Moveable Insert Members
US20040188895A1 (en) * 2003-03-25 2004-09-30 Lear Corporation Plastic injection molding with moveable mold members forming speaker grill
US20100330314A1 (en) * 2009-06-29 2010-12-30 Farmer Michael L Integral Molten Evacuation Channel
CN103434083A (en) * 2013-09-04 2013-12-11 上海宝鹿车业有限公司 Air-assisting counter blowing process for handle and handle main body employing same

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ES2364263B2 (en) 2011-03-01 2012-03-15 Abn Pipe Systems, S.L.U. SYSTEM AND PROCEDURE OF MOLDING PARTS WITH SELF-MOLDING MOLDS.

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EP1497105A4 (en) 2008-11-05
MXPA04010444A (en) 2004-12-13

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